Kindergarten teacher allows students to 'vote' autistic boy out of classroom

[link to www.kare11.com]

A Port St. Lucie, Florida mother says her five-year-old special needs son was voted out of his classroom by his peers at the behest of the teacher.

Five-year-old Alex Barton will be starting his summer vacation early.

His mother doesn't want him to to return to school after what allegedly happened in class at Morningside Elementary Wednesday afternoon.

"I'll never be able to send him to school again without worrying if something is going to happen," said Melissa Barton.

She admits he's had behavior problems, and can be difficult at times, and says he's undergoing tests to determine if he suffers from autism and other disorders.

Barton claims a Wednesday incident pushed the lines of discipline into the realm of abuse.

"She took him and stood him in front of his classmates this week, asked every single child to tell Alex why we don't like him, in his words, tell Alex why we hate him," she explained.

After having each child ridicule the boy, she says the teacher continued belittling him.

"Then they had a vote on if he deserved to stay in the class or not," said Barton.

Like a twisted reality show, Barton says in a 14-2 vote, his classmates voted the five-year-old out of the classroom.

"I never thought she would subject my child to such mental abuse," she said.

Barton filed complaints with the Department of Children and Families and police.

After conferring with the State Attorney's office, police found no grounds for charges, but the school district is investigating the incident and these teaching practices.

Barton suspects other students may have suffered as well.

"If other parents who have this teacher or have had this teacher, come forward talk to your kids because this is wrong," Barton said.

The St. Lucie County school district is investigating the incident and released a statement Tuesday morning that reads:

"Ms. Portillo (the teacher) has been reassigned outside of the classroom at the district offices until any further action may be determined."